How to Bring the Internet with You All Summer

Vacations are great for getting away from the stress of day-to-day life, but that doesn’t mean you want to be left completely out of touch! Maintaining an internet connection means you can enjoy beautiful and relaxing locales with the security and confidence that your normal life will be running smoothly when you get back. In this post, we’ll walk you through how satellite internet and hotspots—including smartphone tethering—can help you stay connected during your summer vacation or while working remotely.

Satellite Internet

How Satellite Internet Works

Using a dish mounted on your house, satellite internet service sends wireless signals to an earth-orbiting satellite that then beams the signal back to the provider’s network access point. Although this occurs at a very high speed, there will still be latency due to the distance the signal must travel. Because of this latency, satellite internet isn’t ideal for playing online games or streaming video content.

When to Use Satellite Internet

Satellite internet is good for staying connected from remote and rural areas, such as a vacation home in the mountains. Thanks to the wide-reaching capabilities of satellite internet services, you can connect from just about anywhere you can set up a satellite dish. To sweeten the deal, some satellite internet providers offer phone or TV bundles so you won’t have to worry about separate bills while you’re lounging in paradise.

Data effective 7/6/2017. Pricing and speeds are subject to change. Not all offers available in all areas.

Important Satellite Internet Equipment

You’ll need a satellite dish and modem, which HughesNet and Exede will include with your contract. Both companies’ modems have built-in Wi-Fi, so you won’t need to worry about buying a wireless router to enjoy internet all around your home away from home.

Provider Hotspots

How Provider Hotspots Work

Provider hotspots are common in public places like cafes or in neighborhoods where the Internet Service Provider has a strong presence. An ISP can set up hotspots using its local customers’ Wi-Fi connections. These provider hotspots run congruent to a customer’s service without interfering with their own home signal.

When to Use Provider Hotspots

Provider hotspots are good for staying connected on the go. Before you head out on vacation, you’ll want to check your provider’s availability map to make sure it has a hotspot available at your locale. If AT&T or Xfinity is your Internet Service Provider, you can access their Wi-Fi hotspots for free. AT&T also has a Wi-Fi on the Spot option to help non-AT&T customers use its hotspots for $3.99–$7.99 per session.

Data effective 5/25/2017. Pricing and speeds are subject to change. Not all offers available in all areas.

Important Provider Hotspot Equipment

All you need to connect to a provider hotspot is a device that can connect to wireless internet. Whether you use a smartphone, laptop, or tablet, you’ll be ready to hop on a provider hotspot as soon as you’re in range.

Smartphone Tethering

How Smartphone Tethering Works

When a smartphone capable of tethering connects to a 4G LTE network, it can distribute its internet connection to other devices via Wi-Fi. It effectively becomes its own hotspot without any additional equipment needed. Eligible phone plans usually include a certain amount of data for high-speed internet connections, followed by slower speeds with unlimited data.

When to Use Smartphone Tethering

Smartphone tethering is a good choice for casual internet users who are trying to connect on the go, even outside of pre-established provider hotspots. Many national carriers include hotspot capabilities with their unlimited data plans, so if you’re already eligible or can easily upgrade, this may be a good option for you. This method supports adventurers who plan to travel to a variety of locales this summer and need internet connection from time to time.

Available Smartphone Tethering Plans

Sprint Unlimited

T-Mobile ONE Plus

AT&T Unlimited Plus Plan

Cost for One Line

$60 per month

$75 per month

$90 per month

Monthly Mobile Hotspot Data per Line

10 GB, followed by unlimited data at 3G speeds

10 GB, followed by unlimited data at 3G speeds

10 GB, followed by unlimited data at 2G speeds

Cost for One Line

Sprint Unlimited

$60 per month

T-Mobile ONE Plus

$75 per month

AT&T Unlimited Plus Plan

$90 per month

Monthly Mobile Hotspot Data per Line

Sprint Unlimited

10 GB, followed by unlimited data at 3G speeds

T-Mobile ONE Plus

10 GB, followed by unlimited data at 3G speeds

AT&T Unlimited Plus Plan

10 GB, followed by unlimited data at 2G speeds

Data effective 5/30/2017. Pricing and speeds are subject to change. Not all offers available in all areas.

Important Smartphone Tethering Equipment

Equipment for this method is simple: all you’ll need is your smartphone and a Wi-Fi enabled device, like a laptop or tablet. Then you’re good to surf the net anywhere you can get a clear phone signal.

Mobile Hotspots

How Mobile Hotspots Work

Like a smartphone tether, mobile hotspots turn a 4G LTE connection into a personal Wi-Fi signal. While mobile hotspots are one more gadget to keep track of, the more powerful signal, higher number of devices supported, and extended battery life are a fair tradeoff.

When to Use Mobile Hotspots

If you’re going to be working remotely during your summer holiday, you should seriously consider purchasing a mobile hotspot. This way you can connect to the internet without draining your phone battery. You’ll also be able to support more devices and have extra security options. PCMag has further details if you’re still conflicted between mobile hotspots and smartphone tethering.

Available Mobile Hotspot Plans

You can purchase a mobile hotspot and data plan through a or independent Wi-Fi hotspot companies like Unlimited LTE Advanced or Karma. There are a lot of options out there, so you can choose the device and plan that best fit your needs and budget. You will find the best deals for prepaid 4G no-contract plans on Amazon.

Important Mobile Hotspot Equipment

You’ll need to purchase a mobile hotspot device and have a Wi-Fi enabled device. Many mobile hotspots support ten or more devices, so you can also connect any friends or family you take with you on vacation.

How Will You Stay Connected This Summer?

Whether you’re trying to connect from a vacation home with rural internet or jumping from hotspot to hotspot as you travel around the world, there’s an internet option for you! Let us know in the comments below which option worked for you and why. We wish you a wonderful and safe summer getaway!